It's no secret that Nintendo's E3 plans are a tad underwhelming, but one Nindie is aiming to add a bit of fun to the occasion with its own themed game - B3 Game Expo For Bees.
The wordplay is obvious, but what's surprising is that this is a first-person shooter that's heading exclusively to the Wii U - its been developed by Famous Gamous, which previously released KEYTARI: 8-bit Music Maker on the system.
It's certainly aiming to be quirky by playing up its parody links to E3, though it is also trying to use the GamePad in a good way. The following is part of what the developer has told us about the story and concept:
It's just hours before the start of B3, the annual Game Expo for Bees. You are the brand new Security Bee at the Convention Hive. During your night shift, you were unable to pull yourself away from reading all the pre-B3 hype on B.Chat. Consequently you completely neglected your patrolling before accidentally drifting off to sleep in the Security Pod. Your adventure begins here.
How would I describe this game? I tried to blend the exploration of Metroid Prime with the zaniness of Animal Crossing. Similar to how Captain Olimar carries the KopPad, in B3 you have the B.Pad, and "download" all sorts of electro-magical apps from the B.Shop to help you solve Zelda-like puzzles OR simply surf B.Chat to enjoy some B3 Hype and maybe get some hints!
Could B3 be hiding real E3 secrets? Could the Beetronic B.Pad be anything like Nintendo's next portable? Could Beetronic's New System give clues to NX? Yes, Nintendo is finally packing an exclusive FPS... and you are a bee. Waiting to explore in that Metroid Prime way - consider B3! Longing for those Animal Crossing wacky conversations - consider B3! What happens if you type "RoboBear @ B3!" in Miiverse??? Will you actually conjure RoboBear?
Though it's all rather silly, some playful fun may be just what's called for on the Wii U right now. This one's coming to North America on 2nd June, while the developer hopes to get it signed off for a pre-E3 release in Europe on 9th June (though that's not 100% confirmed).
Check out the trailer below and let us know whether you'll bee there to check it out (wordplay like that is inexcusable - Ed)
[source famousgamous.com]
Comments 34
I can't help but think of ilovebees.com or whatever that viral marketing campaign for halo was
...Feel like it's trying too hard to be like Prime...
I kinda like how it looks. It's an weird and absurdly silly Prime, but, why not? Lets see how it turns out.
I'm surprised this game isn't getting more buzz.
Bought. I will gladly support buzz-arre Wii U exclusives until the console completely dies.
wow ppl are really happy to get these boring games on wii u ?
I'm sold. This sounds fantastic.
@peeks there's nothing else to get, of course they would.
I can't see myself buying this. But it actually looks like it'd be a solid experience. I hope it does well.
Sounds like a good premise to me. I'll definitely be watching this one. Can I get some huggbees?
This seems amusing, and I enjoy the strangeness. If there is or will be a demo I'd try it. It reminds me of Buck Bumble, but mostly because it's bees and it looks like an HD N64 game.
Seriously thinking of picking this up. Typo/mistake: "Discover it's secrets". Would be nice to get that fixed. It's only ever "it's" if you mean "it is".
Humorous premise and colorful graphics, but something sees off. Maybe it's the size of the floating heads or the only enemy being shown being that robot bear. I'll definitely keep my eye on reviews to see how this turns out.
looks alright i think il "Bee" looking into getting it.... Uhg.. lol
Please don't suck...
Please don't suck...
Please don't suck...
Hope it doesn't sting the wallet.. it might bee worth it..
I love bees! I was super excited to play as bee Mario in Super Mario Galaxy! But... I don't know about this. I will definitely have to see more gameplay or read a review before I buy this.
I didn't get the wordplay until I read the cited text because my mind always read the title of the article as:
"E3 Game 'Expo For Bees' is a Wii U Exclusive Shooter With a Quirky Premise". Until I realised the game's title is actually "B3 Game Expo For Bees". Confusing.
it's hip to
"Discover it's secrets"
@peeks Well I wouldn't pay full-retail price for this but for $10 or less I'd definitely pick this up. Also it doesn't look bad, just budget.
I'll wait for a review, but I'm intrigued.
Will buy if it supports Wiimote + Nunchuk, won't buy if it doesn't
Looks quite intriguing. It's a shame it's not in third-person, though.
"I tried to blend the exploration of Metroid Prime with the zaniness of Animal Crossing."
You had my curiosity, now you have my attention.
So...this is a real thing? I'm still not certain... <checks WiiU eshop>
I don't see anything that reminds me of Metroid Prime.
Looks fun. I hope the humor is on point.
Strange, but somehow endearing. Yet its a great mocking of the E3 event for Nintendo gamers (everyone gets served at E3, EXCEPT the Nintendo gamers!).
What's this? An overabundance of bees on the Wii U? My briefcase full of bees ought to put a stop to that!
If this works with the zapper or any gun clip, I'm on board.
Argh! Enough with the GamePad! Stop shoehorning it in where it doesn't belong! Everyone knows that the Wiimote/Nunchuck is the best control scheme for a console FPS! At least give us it as an option this time, please!
This might be(e) the closest we get to a Metroid Pime game on Wii U. Or ever again, really.
I would go to B3, but it's so0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o far away from where I live, and even if I did get the chance, I would bee too big due to beeing a kangaroo sized kangaroo. Now I know how Ridley feels :'Y
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